Sight Word Games Overview
Sight words are the most common words in the English language. In fact, the 100 most frequently used words comprise approximately 50% of all English text. Learning to instantly recognize sight words is a fundamental building block for emergent readers since many of these words do not follow the phonic rules. Educators and parents use a variety of methods to teach sight word recognition, but none are more effective and fun than sight word games. These activities are excellent teaching tools for family settings as well as classroom literacy centers.
Sight Word Games are Not All Created Equal
There are a number of sight word games available, ranging from rudimentary free games to professionally designed board and computer games. While most of these games provide exposure to sight words, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Flash cards and word searches can be effective, but children often lose interest and focus in short order. Games that captivate and retain a child’s attention usually prove to be superior. The best option is a game that children request and chose to play on their own.
Research has demonstrated that teaching methods which children perceive as fun are typically more effective than techniques without a fun factor. A professor at Rider University, David Pierfy, found that games provided better retention over time than conventional classroom instruction techniques. Another study, conducted by John Dempsey, Professor at South Alabama University, suggested that games hold an advantage over traditional instruction when changing attitudes and holding students’ interest.
Some sight word games are versatile in that they teach more than mere sight word recognition. For example, Erudition helps children learn to read, spell and comprehend these high frequency words (as well as basic phonics) while playing a fun board game. Since the colorful game board depicts a community setting complete with road signs and diversions the game captures children’s attention. Because the game time averages 15-20 minutes players remain engaged from start to finish. For more information on how Erudition and other sight word games can help your child learn this essential skill, click on the articles below.
Top Ten Sight Word Games
Sight Word Games are Ideal for Literacy Centers
Benefits of Board Games
Free Sight Word Games
In addition to Erudition, we created some free sight word games that you can open (by clicking on the link below) and print. For directions on how to play these games and other game ideas, click on the “Top Ten Sight Word Games” article link above.
